Dr. Kaye presents on the new neurobiology of eating disorders, the heritability of eating disorders, and possible behavior traits of those with eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN). Those with AN seem to have higher rates of anxiety, obsessions/compulsions, perfectionism, and drives for thinness. While some of these traits can be normative and even positive, perhaps illness is caused by an excess of these traits, gonadal steroid imbalance, and/or environmental influences. Possible treatment strategies include the constructive utilization of these traits and specific, targeted interventions for unique symptoms and the biology of the individual.

Dr. Rosen presents an overview of the diagnosis, presentation, and epidemiology of eating disorders. They are quite common, although AN and BN are not. There are a variety of risk factors, including biological and heritable risk factors, as well as sociocultural pressure, and protective factors as well. Eating disorders are associated with serious medical complications and psychiatric co-morbidity. However, early treatment and good quality treatment are associated with a better prognosis, but more research should be done to better understand the biology behind eating disorders.Key Words: eating disorders, depression, treatment, genetics, neurobiology, brain imaging, dopamine, anorexia, bulimia, anxiety, obsessions, compulsions, perfectionism

Depression
and Anxiety in Adolescents and Adults with Autism and
Asperger Syndrome

Catherine Lord, Director, University
of Michigan Autism and Communication Disorders
Center; Professor of Psychiatry, University
of Michigan Medical School; Professor
of Psychology, School of LS&A; Senior
Research Scientist, Center for Human Growth
& Development